Aerospace Expertise Lands Professor in Wind Energy Research
M.J.“Mike”Benzakein’s interest in airplanes, which took flight when he was a middle–school student, led to a 37-year career at General Electric Aircraft Engines, where he used his fascination with turbines and compressors to design propulsion engines for Boeing, Lockheed and Airbus planes.
Today, he is using that same expertise at Ohio State to develop the next generation of wind power technology.
Although the wind energy movement began more than 20 years ago in Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands, more wind turbines exist in the United States today than any other country, he says.
Benzakein is optimistic the country will reach the U.S. Department of Energy’s goal that by 2030, at least 20 percent of all energy produced in the nation must be wind powered. Currently, wind generates only 1 percent of the country’s energy.
He compares wind energy today to Model A Fords:“These vehicles were produced as fast as they could make them. Wind turbines are at this stage today. Automotive technology has come a long way since the early 1900s, and cars have advanced in every aspect since then. Similar advances are in store for turbines—great opportunities lie ahead.”
That’s why he is working to create a new center of study that will focus on wind turbine energy as part of the Propulsion and Power Institute in the College of Engineering. The institute will be a cross-functional area of graduate engineering study among five departments in the college. Meanwhile, Benzakein plans to continue his aerospace research in propulsion and power, with a heavy emphasis on wind energy.
The Wright Brothers Institute professor and chair of Ohio State’s Department of Aerospace Engineering, Benzakein is an internationally recognized expert in aeropropulsion and a National Academy of Engineering member.
He is convinced that environmental issues are the top challenges facing the aerospace profession. During his last 10 years at General Electric Aircraft Engines, he led all new commercial and military engine programs as well as all new technologies development. He focused on developing new, more efficient and environmentally friendly propulsion systems.
“The drive to reduce CO2 emissions will require high-pressure ratios and higher temperatures, which will require the industry to go to new materials,”he says.“And the drive toward lower NOx will demand new combustion technologies. There are lots of challenges and opportunities.”
Since he was named the aerospace engineering chair in 2005, Benzakein has developed relationships with industry and government agencies to create scholarship, internship and grant opportunities for aerospace students. Under his leadership, the number of grants to aerospace engineering doctoral students has doubled; he expects the trend to continue in the coming year.
His favorite aspect about Ohio State engineering is having the opportunity to advise research and doctoral students.
“Seeing students succeed is the most rewarding gratification you can have as a faculty member,”says Benzakein.“The opportunities and excitement associated with wind turbine technology and the ability to make a difference in the energy field are very attractive to students as well as faculty.”
